Kiilinik High School (2002), Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. 69ºnorth. The form and orientation of the Kiilinik High School was developed through extensive studies of sun, wind and drifting snow, and by a desire to reduce the perceived mass of the 4000m 2 footprint in a small community of 1600 people. The slab on grade and thermosyphon foundation preserve accessibility and maintain an immediate connection to the landscape. Diffuse continuous perimeter day lighting casts reflected light off the snow across the ceiling, deep into interior spaces. Skylights bring day- light into the centre of the building. There are no corridors — all spaces open onto general break-out spaces and an informal performance area. Extensive interior glazing allows an open view of activities, much like surveying the unobstructed horizon of the land above the tree line. A cultural heritage centre shares the library, and with the gymnasium, language/cultural area and informal stage, all create a cultural node for the community. The mass of the building is set back from the road, with a south facing gravel forecourt to the building. Its air-foil form and interior open planning are modulated by subtleties of light, and by intimate space defined without walled enclosure.
left: wall detail below: the Kiilinik High School library
Kiilinik High School, Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
The Northwest Territories Legislative Building (1993) with Ferguson Simek Clark Engineers and Architects in joint venture with Matsuzaki Wright Archi- tects, associate architects,Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, 62ºnorth The NWT Legislative Building floats behind spruce and jack pine, absorbed by the land- scape. Sensitively sited on the edge of Frame Lake, one enters the building at grade over a small plaza suspended over peat and muskeg below. Southern daylight floods the entry hall creating dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. Diffuse perimeter daylight filters into the Chamber, the circular form of the consensus political system. Offices look to the lake with long views of water, trees and rock.
Zinc, a material found in the north is used as cladding, cast panels and in interior details. The Legislative building respects the terrain, the sky and the sun, showing by example that buildings influenced by site and context lead to a modest presence that can speak powerfully of place.
the Northwest Territories Legislative Building on Frame Lake
On Site review 11
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Spring 2004
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